What does cruise control mean. How does cruise control work with a manual transmission? 

During long trips, many drivers are faced with the fact that constantly keeping the foot on the gas pedal in a fixed position leads to rapid fatigue. It is to simplify control when driving long distances that most modern cars are equipped with a special system called cruise control.

But it should be noted that some motorists do not know how to use this type of system. This is what will be discussed in this article.

How to use cruise control. General leadership

The standard cruise control system has 5 control buttons mounted on the steering wheel.

• "On"— manual activation of the system;
• Off— manual shutdown of the system;
• Set/Accel- setting and increasing the value of the controlled speed;
• "Resume"— restoration of the previously set speed value;
• Coast- decrease in the controlled value of the speed;

In addition, the system is additionally controlled by the brake pedal.

Before using cruise control, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the purpose of the controls and the operating modes of the control system.

The main mode switch or control panel has a system activation key at the end, marked with a characteristic symbol or the inscription CRUISE and ON / OFF. The system can be activated when the vehicle speed exceeds 40 km/h.

The control system has the following modes of operation

• Set the controlled speed and set the automatic tracking mode allows the mode "SET" (S);
• You can change the set speed in the direction of increase by the mode "ACCEL" (+; A).
• You can reduce the set speed using the mode "COAST" (-; C).
• You can restore the previous value of the set speed after the change by the mode "RESUME" (RES; R).
• The mode allows you to exit the tracking mode for a given speed. "CANCEL".

Instructions for using cruise control modes

1. At a vehicle speed of 40 - 100 km/h, by briefly pressing the switch to the SET position, you can switch the system to the automatic tracking and speed control mode.
2. By holding the switch in the COAS position in auto-tracking mode, you can reduce the speed of movement, and you can set a new value after releasing the switch. By pressing briefly, the driving speed can be reduced by 1.5 km/h.
3. To forcibly exit the mode of automatic maintenance of the set speed, press the CANCEL key.

How to turn on and how to turn off cruise control?

On most vehicles, the cruise control buttons are located either on the steering column or on the steering wheel.

Before switching cruise control to active mode, a prerequisite is to perform a certain procedure:

1). Activation of the system by pressing the buttons with the cruise control logo or labeled CRUISE and ON/OFF. At the same time, the white control system indicator on the dashboard should light up. We accelerate the car to the required speed (more than 40 km / h) and briefly press the switch to the SET (S) position. The system indicator on the instrument panel will turn green. This will activate the automatic tracking mode.

To increase the set speed, move the switch to the RES / + (RES / ACC) position until the car reaches the desired speed.

To reduce the set speed, press and hold the switch in position (COAST / SET) until the speed drops to the desired value.

To disable the automatic speed control mode, press the keys with the disable icon or labeled CANCEL, the OFF button, pressing the brake pedal, moving the automatic transmission handle from position D to neutral. In addition, the automatic mode is turned off even at sharp accelerations above 1.5 m/s.

How to enable cruise control on Kia

How to enable cruise control on a Toyota

How to enable cruise control on Opel

How to enable cruise control on Nissan

Good afternoon, dear readers! Most recently, I published an article about how I suffered, but today is not about that. Technology and progress do not stand still, and every year cars roll off the assembly lines, more and more "stuffed" with complex electronics and functions. Even 10 years ago, we did not know many of the terms that are widely used today. We will gradually eliminate these gaps and acquaint you with modern options. Now I would like to reveal the concept of what cruise control is, and how it can make life easier for the driver.

In general, this is the name of the speed stabilization system, which allows the vehicle to move at the same, given pace. You can even draw an analogy with the autopilot. By understanding how cruise control works, we are convinced of its benefits. If there is a long descent, the system itself will slow down, and when moving uphill, it will add gas to keep approximately the same mark. However, this does not mean that the driver cannot interfere with the driving process. It is enough to press the brake or gas pedal, and you are in control of the fuel supply again.

The management of such a system does not require super skills and qualifications. We turn on the device, after which the indicator light lights up. As soon as the car has accelerated to the required speed, it is memorized, after which the accelerator pedal can be released. The normal operating range for the system is between 40 and 140 km/h. It is convenient to use a cruise in suburban driving conditions, while its use in the city is unsafe due to the frequent change of scenery. But as you understand, 140 is a clear speeding and violation of traffic rules. By the way, I recommend refreshing the rules in your memory, and start with articles written in an accessible language: nuances and.

Where is it convenient to use

When driving on the highway, such a system can become a reliable assistant, since it is tiring to keep your foot on the gas pedal for a long time. And so the driver sets an acceptable driving mode, which will be maintained by the system at the same level. Less than 40 km/h cruise control is not able to support. At the same time, any touch on the pedals will return the car to a manual mode of control, that is, driver intervention will be required.

Such a system is especially common in the United States, and most cars that are produced there are equipped with it. The fact is that they have a significant distance between cities, while highways are mostly straight. In such conditions, using cruise control is very convenient compared to the intermittent traffic of city traffic jams. There is also a more advanced system called adaptive cruise control. It not only maintains the set speed mode, but also estimates the distance to the vehicle in front and adjusts the mode so that it is safe. Unlike the usual passive cruise, this one came to be called active.

Main buttons and system operation

Cruise control is activated by pressing the Set/Accel button. The increase step is 2 km/h (although there are systems where 1 or 5 km/h), that is, for each press, the speed increases by this amount. Other keys are also provided: On (enable), Off (shutdown), Resume (restore the previously set mode), Coast (decrease). The last switch will reduce the speed of the system, and in order to return the previous value, you need to activate Resume, which will automatically mean how to turn the system back on. This happens in situations where the driver forcibly pressed the brake pedal.

Active cruise is good because it additionally protects the driver and his passengers in the cabin from the approaching danger. If the system failed to slow down in time, an audible signal will sound to inform the driver of the need to avoid a collision or a sharply reduced distance from the vehicle in front.

Consider the basic principles of operation of this complex system. A vacuum is created in the collector of a working power unit, which is used by the servo. The embedded program controls the ventilation or vacuum valves of this actuator. The signal from its membrane goes to throttle control and the fuel supply is corrected. Due to this, the constant speed of the vehicle is maintained.

The same applies to wet roads, which have a slippery surface. It is undesirable to turn on the system in conditions of poor visibility, at night and when fog falls.

Why cruise control is needed, we discussed above. However, even the most advanced systems can make mistakes by incorrectly calculating the distance to an obstacle, so the driver should be careful himself. But the included cruise selects such a mode of movement, fuel consumption in which will be moderate. If it is necessary to overtake, the driver needs to increase speed by pressing the accelerator pedal. As soon as the maneuver is completed, the pedal must be released and the controller will automatically return to the previous set mode.

However, many drivers who are lucky enough to buy a foreign-made car do not use or are not aware of the presence of such a system in it. Or the instructions for use have not been studied in sufficient detail. Thus, the functionality of the car is not fully used. Several unsuccessful attempts to turn on the cruise - and the driver stops counting on his help in the future, which is completely in vain. We hope that after reading this material, such motorists will still become smaller. Therefore, read us in the following reviews and get up-to-date and useful information. See you soon!

What is cruise control? This is a special system that automatically maintains the speed set by the driver. Thanks to cruise control, long trips are less tiring, the driver can afford to relax a little by taking his feet off the pedals.

Cruise control is more common in America than in Europe, as there are quite long distances in the States, and the roads themselves are much wider. The ever-increasing traffic is making the functions of conventional cruise control less and less useful every day, so systems have replaced simple cruise control. adaptive cruise control. The latter are distinguished by the fact that they allow you to follow the vehicle in front, while constantly maintaining a safe distance and a given speed. In my article today, I will talk about how cruise control works, as well as the main advantages and disadvantages of adaptive cruise control.

How cruise control works

This system has many useful functions, in addition to being able to control the speed of the vehicle. For example, some systems are able to speed up or slow down the car by one km, for this you just need to press a button. Therefore, by pressing the button five times you will accelerate by 5 km/h. To stop the automatic cruise control, just press .

cruise control control panel

It is easy to guess that the "On" and "Of" buttons turn the cruise control on or off. By pressing the On button, you will not feel anything, the system will simply go into the “combat” state, as they say, and will wait for other buttons to be pressed. Key "Off" - turns off the system, even during its operation. It should be noted that some cruise control systems do not have these buttons at all, switching on occurs after pressing the Set button, and deactivation after pressing the brake pedal.

The "Set/Accel" buttons allow you to set the speed you need. To do this, you need to accelerate or reduce your speed to the value you need and press this button. Each repeated press will accelerate the car by 1 km/h. After the driver presses the brake pedal and slows down, you can press the Resume button, it will return the car to the speed that was before the moment of braking. Coast - an analogue of the brake pedal, after pressing this button, the car will slow down in the same way as if the driver took his foot off the gas. The brake and clutch pedals are equipped with a switch that disables cruise control, so if necessary, the driver can deactivate the system by simply pressing one of these pedals.

Acceleration and braking with cruise control

With this system, the driver can control the vehicle's speed in the same way as using the throttle. However, it should be noted that the cruise control operates the throttle valve with a pneumatic actuator, and not by pressing the pedal. and the speed of movement is controlled by a throttle valve by limiting the amount of air entering the engine.

Cruise Control Throttle Control

The throttle valve is controlled by two cables that are connected to a hinge that moves the throttle. One of these cables is connected to the gas pedal, and the other to the pneumatic actuator. When the cruise control is on, the pneumatic actuator moves the cable that is connected to the throttle control rod, in addition, it pulls the cable connected to the gas pedal, which allows the pedal to move up and down freely, even with the cruise control system turned on.

Some vehicles use pneumatic actuators in which the engine is a vacuum blower. These systems use a medium-sized electronically controlled valve that regulates the vacuum in the diaphragm. Like a brake booster that provides power to a car's braking system.

Cruise control management

The brain center of the cruise control system is miniature, which is usually located in the engine compartment or behind the dashboard. As I said, it connects to the throttle control and several sensors.

Cruise control circuit

A high-quality cruise control system can quickly and efficiently accelerate the car to necessary for the driver speed, after which it is able to maintain it with a minimum deviation, regardless of the load on the car and the steepness of the slope. Speed ​​control occurs according to the classical principle. The cruise control system regulates the position of the throttle, therefore, it needs sensors to inform it about the speed of the car and the position of the throttle. The system also monitors the pressing of buttons and pedals, after which it adjusts the speed, instantly responding to the need to turn it on or off.

Many modern cruise control systems use the proportional-integral-derivative principle ( Proportional-Integral-Derivative - PID). I will not go into the details of all these "three-story" definitions, because in order to understand this principle, it is necessary to understand that: the integral of speed is distance, and the derivative of speed is acceleration.

The PID control system works with these three coefficients - proportional, integral and derivative, calculating each of them separately and adding them to get the throttle position.

We have already discussed the proportional coefficient, now I propose to talk about the integral. The integral coefficient is based on the time integral of the vehicle speed error. Translated into "human" language - the difference in the distances that the car really covered and the distance that it could cover, provided that the movement would occur at the required speed, which was calculated for a certain period of time. This coefficient is responsible for the acceleration of the car when driving downhill, in addition, it helps to achieve and maintain the speed necessary for the owner. For example, a car starts moving downhill and starts to slow down. After that, the proportional system starts to open slightly wider, but the machine may still slow down. After a moment, the integral control gives the command to open the throttle even more, this is due to the fact that the longer the vehicle moves below the set speed, the greater the distance error the cruise control system will receive.

Now it's the turn to discuss the final coefficient - the derivative. As we said, the derivative of speed is acceleration. Thanks to this coefficient, the cruise control is able to instantly respond to any changes in the road, such as hills and slopes. The principle is that if the car slows down, cruise control notices this in time until the moment when the speed drops significantly and instantly reacts to this by opening the throttle.

As I promised, a few words about adaptive cruise control

Adaptive cruise control is a more advanced system that can automatically adjust the vehicle's speed, taking into account, in addition to speed limit also support a safe distance to the vehicle in front. Adaptive cruise control is equipped with a radar, which is installed immediately behind the grille. The radar constantly sends out a signal, which actually determines the need to accelerate or slow down the car, based on the speed of the return of the signal sent forward.

Adaptive cruise control is very similar to conventional cruise control, since it, like its less "advanced" counterpart, is able to maintain the speed set by the driver. However, compared to conventional cruise control, adaptive cruise control is able to automatically adjust the speed to maintain the optimum safe distance between vehicles traveling in the same lane.

This is achieved, as you already know, with the help of a radar sensor, longitudinal controllers and a digital signal processor. In the event of a decrease in the speed of the vehicle in front, or the appearance of any other object, the system instantly sends appropriate signals to the engine and brake system for subsequent immediate deceleration. After the obstacle has moved to a safe distance and there are no obstacles on the road, the adaptive cruise control system will resume the speed set by the driver.

The Autocruise radar system, which operates at a frequency of 77 GHz, has a range of about 150 m, and is capable of operating correctly at speeds from 30 to 180 km/h.

Today, adaptive cruise control is one of the most promising actively developing systems of its class, successfully used in the automotive industry in many European countries. The system not only improves driver comfort, but also prevents the possibility of a collision, improving the safety of all passengers. Modern adaptive cruise control systems are able to give audible as well as visual signals when a collision is imminent. Moreover, they are able to make their own decisions in case of delay of the driver and make evasions or emergency braking when necessary.

Based on site materials

Not all modern drivers know what cruise control is in a car. However, this option belongs to rather old systems installed on foreign-made vehicles. This system is designed to provide comfort and convenience when driving on country roads. There are many benefits to using this option, so let's take a look at the characteristics of cruise control.

Cruise control: what is it

Cruise control is an additional option of the vehicle, thanks to which the speed is maintained at a certain level. This function is used exclusively for long trips on country roads or motorways. When driving in urban areas, this function is not used.

It is interesting! On domestic-made cars, the cruise control system began to be used relatively recently, and only on luxury trim levels. If the need arises, you can install it yourself, which is what many owners of Russian cars do.

The cruise control system functions as follows: the driver leaves the city on the highway, after which he turns on the option to support a certain speed limit. Regardless of the roadway, the system will keep the speed at a certain rate. This makes it possible for the driver to take his foot off the gas pedal, and also not to control the speed of movement.

The appearance of the cruise control buttons located on the steering column switch

The system in question is not at all a novelty, but in Russia it gained popularity not so long ago. Western European countries the use of cruise control is the norm, as the system eliminates driver fatigue during long journeys. This option is installed from the factory on cars with various types of engines and transmissions. If the system in question is not installed on the car from the factory, then this is not a reason to change the vehicle. You can install it yourself, and even a beginner can cope with this task.

The invention of the cruise control system falls on the United States, where the device is very popular. Today, manufacturers are engaged in the release of such a system. different countries: Germany, Japan, China and others. Translated from English, "Cruise Control" means "constant speed control." However, in addition to controlling speed and reducing driver fatigue, this system has another significant advantage - it is fuel economy. Numerous studies among motorists have made it possible to find out that fuel economy corresponds to values ​​up to 5-7%. This is another reason to complete your vehicle cruise control.

Features of functioning on manual transmission and automatic transmission

On vehicles with manual transmission and automatic transmission, the principle of operation of cruise control is the same, with the exception of some points. These moments lie in the number of functions performed by devices. However, consider the original components of the device, and its principle of operation.

The design of the simplest cruise control consists of a servo, which is connected to the throttle control mechanism. It is the servo that is responsible for supplying a certain amount of the fuel mixture. The servo drive is a product with a negative feedback used when driving a vehicle with a manual transmission.

Cruise control servo for fuel delivery

The principle of operation of the device is as follows:

The cruise control module analyzes the received information and also compares it with those set by the driver. Based on the processing of information, a certain auto control algorithm is created. Now let's figure out what are the differences in the functioning of the cruise control system for cars with manual transmission and automatic transmission.

How the system works on the "mechanics"

When using the cruise control system on a car with a manual transmission, the sector stops at the limiter. To do this, the driver must change from high to low gear. In addition, on the "mechanics" the driver needs to independently press the brake pedal when such a need arises.

On a car with a manual transmission, when driving uphill and with the cruise control option activated, the driver will need to shift to a lower speed. If you don’t switch to it when driving on a steep slope, then you simply won’t be able to overcome the obstacle. Similarly, with the situation when the car goes down the hill. If you do not downshift for engine braking, the motor will develop a high speed.

Video: cruise control on Suzuki Grand Vitara with manual transmission

How the system works on the "machine"

On the "automatic" with the cruise control option enabled, you will not need to switch, since the device is responsible for all actions. As soon as the car develops the desired speed, the servo will fix the position of the damper. If an adaptive type system is installed on a vehicle with automatic transmission, then the braking of the car occurs automatically.

Device Varieties

There are two types of devices under consideration, which are called passive and adaptive. The first option is a classic system that is used on cars with different types of gearboxes for a long period of time. The main function of passive devices lies in maintaining a certain speed.

The adaptive view is the most interesting and in demand, so we will deal with each view separately.

Passive cruise control and its features

The passive type of cruise control has the simplest design, and such a product is used mainly to maintain a certain speed while driving on highways and highways. The design of the passive device includes the following structural elements:

The device functions quite simply. To do this, you need to go out of town on a highway with a good road surface. It is not rational to use this option, both in city traffic and outside the city along roads with poor-quality road surfaces (if there are potholes and other defects on the roads, as well as on primers). As soon as the car develops a certain speed, which is optimal for this section, the cruise control is turned on (manually).

After enabling this option, the microprocessor located in the control unit is responsible for the speed of movement. Sensors determine the speed of the vehicle, as well as the position of the throttle, and transmit information to the control module. When the conditions of movement change, which can be ascents and descents, the sensors give appropriate signals.

It is important! Sensors do not detect other types of obstacles, so the driver should be careful when the cruise control is on.

As soon as the type of track changes when moving up or down, the sensors send signals to the control unit. The block analyzes the signals, after which it sends a command to the servo drive, and the throttle valve closes or opens.

Adaptive cruise control and its features

Adaptive cruise control is a new generation of device. This type of device is used on modern cars, and is intended not only to maintain a certain speed limit, but also to take into account the traffic situation. Accounting for the traffic situation is carried out with the help of auxiliary devices: sensors, radars and cameras.

The use of adaptive cruise control makes it possible to tie your vehicle to the vehicle moving in front. The speed of the vehicle ahead is taken into account, and a safe distance is maintained, on the basis of which the control unit controls the vehicle.

Location and overview of adaptive cruise control sensors

If the vehicle in front changes speed, the sensors will send appropriate signals to the ECU. The unit will analyze the signals and make a decision to reduce or increase the speed. If there is no vehicle ahead, then the device gives a signal about speeding up to the required value, after which it maintains it.

It is interesting! There are also cruise control systems that can read road markings. This feature allows the driver to eliminate the need to drive a car.

Adaptive cruise control is referred to as ACC. This type of system is installed on cars from the factory. The cost of such a system is quite high, due to the use of expensive sensors, cameras and radar. The device also uses a modern control unit capable of calculating not 2 functions, but several dozen. Depending on the model of the device, the driver can be alerted to an emergency ahead by both visual and audible signals.

It is also important to note the fact that the adaptive cruise control system is paired with ABS anti-lock braking system and ESP. If one of these systems does not function, it will not be possible to activate the cruise control. It is recommended to turn on adaptive cruise control when vehicles move at a uniform speed outside the city.

Displaying the adaptive cruise control system on the vehicle's on-board computer

If the design of the vehicle does not have an adaptive type of cruise control, then its installation does not make justified sense. Although this system is more advanced and modern, a passive device is quite enough for trips outside the city.

How to use cruise control

What is cruise control in a car, and why is it needed, has been considered in detail. It is important to understand the question of how to properly use this device. Indeed, many motorists, changing to foreign cars, do not understand what this option is and how to use it correctly.

If the cruise control is installed on the car from the factory, then the control buttons for this option are often located on the steering wheel, and only occasionally on the steering column switches. If the installation of cruise control is carried out independently, then a special control panel with several buttons is installed on the steering wheel.

Cruise control buttons located on the Hyundai multifunction steering wheel

The location of the control panel on the steering wheel is the most convenient, since at any second you can not only enable the option, but also disable it or make settings. However, some car models are equipped with control panels located on the steering column switches.

Control buttons for regular cruise control on Lada Granta

Depending on the model of the vehicle, as well as on the design of the device, there are some differences in control. The cruise control control algorithm consists in performing the following manipulations:

• First you need to accelerate the vehicle to the speed at which it is planned to carry out further movement. The minimum speed at which the device can be turned on is 40 km/h.
• Enable option. This is done by pressing a button in the form of a tachometer with an arrow or by moving the regulator to the “ON” position.

  

  The cruise control system is activated by pressing the button with the corresponding icon

• At the same time, the corresponding white or yellow indicator will light up on the instrument panel, which usually looks like a tachometer with an arrow. If the device was installed on the car by yourself, then no indicators on the instrument panel will light up. The glow of the indicator in white or yellow indicates that the device is turned on, but this function is not yet working.

  

  The yellow icon on the dashboard indicates that the cruise control device is on, however, for its full operation, you must press "SET-"

• The system is put into action by pressing the "SET" button with a minus. On some car models, the name of this button may differ, however, the switching principle is the same.

  

  Motorists who often move along the highway do not skimp on installing a function, even if it does not come as standard on a car.

• In this case, the indicator will change from white or yellow to green, which indicates the operation of the device.

  

  The green icon indicates the operation of the cruise control function.

• If you need to increase or decrease the speed of movement, you can use the buttons in the form of plus and minus. When you press these buttons, the speed of the car will increase or decrease by a value from 1 to 2 km.

To turn off the device, press the "Off" button. This is a complete turn off of the option, and is performed when you enter the city. An emergency shutdown is carried out by pressing the brake pedal. At the same time, the system enters the standby mode (lights up with a white or yellow indicator). At any time, you can turn on the option and continue moving along the track. It is often used when you need to overcome any obstacle, make a stop, etc. Another way to turn off the device is to press the gas pedal. This shutdown option is used on cars where adaptive systems are installed.

For more information on how to use cruise control in your car, see the manual for your vehicle.

Consider some of the designations of cruise control options:

• On - turn on.
• Off - disable.
• Set Accel - setting the mode.
• Resume - remembering the speed.
• Coast - speed reduction.

Video: how to use cruise control

It is important to mention that the cruise control has a self-off function. For this, the following factors serve:

1. If there is a sharp acceleration of speed of 5.4 km / h.
2. If on a car with automatic transmission, move the lever to the neutral position.

On vehicles with manual transmission, shifting the gear lever will not disengage cruise control. The car will slow down, but the sound of the roar of the engine will be heard.

Summing up the device in question, the following advantages should be noted:

• Rest for the driver. In this case, the driver can relax only the legs, but not the arms or head.
• The ability to install the device on any car, even if it is not equipped with an option from the factory.
• Reducing fuel consumption by 5-7%.
• Using the adaptive view of the device allows you to automatically maintain not only the speed, but also the distance.

Cruise control, like almost any function, has its drawbacks:

• If any sensor of the device fails, the system will not function. This is especially true for the adaptive control system.